The Hunter and The Predator Leokumi

3|| Goodbyes and Hellos

His beloved teacher is hook up to an IV drip as he lays in bed. The powerful form of the old man is but a shadow of his past. Now the Rainbow Sage is even more wrinkled and skinnier than before. Takumi, no he'll go by Fujin in his teachers presence, takes a seat by his bedside.

"Teacher will you like me to get you anything?" Fujin asks.

The Sage smiles and replies, "No Fujin it is alright, just sit... Say, is that your new uniform?"

"Yes. I start tomorrow at my sisters' school. I wanted you to see it first before my folks." His voice steadily explains as he seat himself on the tall stool by the bed. Fujin had never receive a uniform meant for school since he barely stayed long enough to need one. So the only reason why he could even wear one is thanks to the man in front of him. "Thank you so much for the pass six years. If it weren't for you I wouldn't had made it back to my family."

"Do not fret about that Fujin. Tell me do you still keep all the wares I've given you?"

"Yes but I've hidden them. If anything they should be mistaken as something else, even if I do lose them I can always make more." Fujin informs the dying man as he remembers the lessons that same man gave him.

"Fujin you must know already don't you?" The Rainbow Sage maintains a soft tone.

Fujin looks bitterly at his words and he answers with a tight voice, "Yes..."

"Really, then come closer, I want to do one last thing as your teacher before we go back to just fellow humans." The Sage lift his hand and beckons the teenage boy closer. Fujin leans forward and is surprise at the Sage's next actions. His wrinkled but callused hand pats the boy's head and he laughs, "In six years you've grown and not once had you willingly cut that hair of yours. I remember you crying when I cut off some of it. Ah, the memories we make together will now have to come to a stop..."

He moves his hand onto Fujin's shoulder like a king ceremonially knighting a knight and declares, "I, Rainbow Sage, will now graduate the apprentice, Fujin, from my teachings. As a token from your teacher I'll give all that I have to you, with a letter stating my will."

Fujin remains silent daring not to make a sound as his heart tightens. He accepts the letter given to his hands. He removes his shoulder from those calloused hands full of scars and stares directly into the old man's eyes. The Sage gives him a broad smile and continues, "Child of Light, this road of knowing the ones who have to hide in the dark is harsh, so I'll give you one last gift. A gift from a friend and to the one as I see as my own son, the ability to see all that hides, Hawkeyes."

Fujin knows what this means far too much and he'll accept this gift as well. The Rainbow Sage touch his face and a faint light seep from his skin into Fujin's. The youthful glint that was in the Sage's eyes dulls as his feels his breathing become haggard. The transfer of power is no small feat especially for a man so old, so worn down, such as he is. Once he is done he let his hand fall from his former student's face. The Sage force out a small laugh and asks, "How is it?"

Fujin frowns and shakes his head, "I don't see anything different."

The Sage laughs once more, "No no. You don't see, you feel them. You'll find out soon, it'll click in your head once it happens."

Fujin smiles at the man's words and again he thanks him. He tries not to express any of his sadness in his shaking voice. The Sage knows how hard it must be on Fujin and takes a glance at the time and use that as an excuse, "Look at the time, it is time to go."

Taking a glance at the clock Fujin realizes that visiting hours are ending. He grabs his bag and keeps the letter close to his chest. Reluctant he lets out a soft sob, "Farewell Rainbow Sage."